THE threat of a bushfire at Finniss has reduced, the Country Fire Service says.

8.38pm: However, the CFS says smoke may still be present, visibility may be reduced and there may be falling trees.

The CFS advises residents to check their property for any fires and embers, particularly in roof spaces, under decks, raised floors and in gutters.

7.37pm: The CFS has contained the fire to the west of Finniss River.

However, it says the fire continues to burn near Gilbert Siding and the properties of Bridge View and Thom-cur Park and remains an ongoing risk to the township of Finniss and surrounding properties.

Fire-fighters near Strathalbyn-Goolwa Rd Picture: Dylan Coker

Residents in the area need to remain aware that the fire may threaten their safety as weather conditions are continuously changing.

6.02pm:

A serious fire burning at Finniss has been downgraded by the CFS from a Bushfire Emergency to a Bushfire Watch and Act.

Authorities say the fire still poses a risk to the township of Finniss and surrounding properties.

5.34pm

Firefighter have also been called to battle a fire in a dump near Monarto.

Fire-fighters near Strathalbyn-Goolwa Rd Picture: Dylan Coker

CFS crews have contained the blaze in the Hartley dump on Bremmer Range Rd and smoke is visible from the South Eastern Freeway.

4.31pm

SOUTH Australia is far from out of danger despite a forecast cool change sweeping through the state, the Country Fire Service warns.

CFS state co-ordinator Malim Watts has warned people not to be complacent in what he described on Thursday as "the worst fire danger day in several years".

Mr Watts' warning comes as police revealed that a fire on Yorke Peninsula was started by a discarded cigarette butt.

A water bomber working to control a blaze at Maitland, which has now been contained. Picture via NewsForce from Marek Dubovinsky.

"Today is still a very dangerous day across South Australia and even though in some parts of the state we are seeing a slight change in weather conditions and an easing particularly on the far west, the situation across the state is still dangerous," Mr Watts said.

"We are far from being out of danger. We have a long way to go today. Just because there is going to be a cooler change come across, that's not the end of it.

Mr Watts said three farming properties were under threat from the Finniss fire, although there were no reports of injuries or property damage yet.

"Now is not the time to leave their houses and evacuate in their car when the time is confusing."

He said firefighters had been well supported by the community, but warned that any respite would be shortlived with temperatures forecast to rise into the late 30s and early 40s next week.

Police Assistant Commissioner Bryan Fahy said an additional 75 patrols had been deployed as part of Operation Nomad.

Mr Fahy said police had contacted potential firebugs throughout the day to determine what they were doing at any given time.

He said people needed to be mindful about any activity they were undertaking on such an extreme day.

"Something that might seem as innocent as a discarded cigarette butt can have devastating consequences," he said.

"In this particular case it was certainly accidental."

4.01pm

The wind change, predicted to hit about 4pm, will accelerate the blaze towards the town of Finniss and properties including Andrina Park, Merdia, Gutteridge, Reedlands and Tucker Ford, the Country Fire Service advises.

2.10pm: The Finniss fire is burning in grass and is heading southeast towards Gilberts Siding and Finniss. Initial reports wrongly stated the fire was at Currency Creek.

There is a risk to lives and homes and people in the area should check and follow their bushfire survival plan, the CFS emergency warning states.

Take shelter when the fire arrives and protect yourself from the fire's heat.

Only leave if the path is clear to a safe place.

You should not enter this area as the roads may not be safe.

Homes that are situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, that are prepared to the highest level and actively defended, may provide safety.

Waterbombing aircraft have been sent to attack the fire.

EARLIER

A fire on the Yorke Peninsula, near Maitland, has been contained.

The fire was burning in grass and stubble near Cunningham, about 10km west of Ardrossan, near Simmons Rd.

Fire crews are using waterbombers to mop up hotspots.

They warn that smoke may still be visible and that the public should continue to take care in the area.

Meanwhile, CFS crews are continuing to douse hotspots from a bushfire at Sevenhill in the Clare Valley, as fears remain today's hot and gusty conditions could force the fire outside containment lines and towards towns.

A Watch and Act message has been reissued for the fire this morning warning people in the area to be vigilant.

"Fire crews have been attending to hotspots and have significantly reduced the number present," the message states.

"Hotspots and embers are still present. There remains the potential for the fire to escape control lines and residents are advised to check and follow their bushfire survival plan.

"The greatest chance of fire escape is in the afternoon which may put the settlements of Watervale, Leasingham and Auburn at risk."

CFS crews are working around Willow Glen, Hughes Park and Campbell roads and the public are asked to only access the area if required.

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